How to cut toenails correctly

November 30, 2025

Fußnägel werden gerade und nicht zu kurz geschnitten

Cutting toenails correctly: After a warm foot bath, trim the nail straight – not rounded – leave a narrow edge and do not round off the corners of the nail. This is how you prevent ingrown nails. Afterwards, smooth any sharp edges with a file.

Cutting toenails – step by step

Soften: Bathe your feet in warm water for 5–10 minutes so the nails are easier to cut.
Choose the tool: Use straight toenail scissors or – for thick nails – nail nippers for toenails.
Cut straight: Cut the nail straight across, not rounded – this is how you prevent ingrown nails.
Not too short: Leave a narrow edge and do not cut the corners of the nail into the skin.
Smooth the edges: Carefully file sharp corners with a nail file so that nothing catches or tears.

Toenails grow more slowly than fingernails – as a rule it is enough to attend to them every 3 to 4 weeks. Allow yourself a little time for cutting and care, and keep the points above in mind. The video shows the correct technique step by step:

Toenail scissors with a straight blade for thick toenails

The right tool for toenails

These will give you the straight cut described above:

Toenail scissors – straight blade, made specifically for thick toenails
Nail nippers Basic – for hard nails where scissors reach their limits
Head cutter Basic model – cuts even severely thickened nails safely

View all instruments for toenails →

Which tool for thick & strong toenails?

Strong nails – toenails above all – need more cutting power than ordinary scissors can deliver. Which tool is the right one depends mainly on how thick the nail is.

Double-action nippers – for very hard nails

Double-action nippers with a buffer or double spring are built to cut stubborn nails with far less effort – which is why podiatrists reach for them too. The spring amplifies even light pressure so the cut goes cleanly through.

a clean cut with almost no effort
smooth running thanks to the double action
ribbed handle for a secure grip
suitable for left- and right-handed users
rust-free, sterilisable stainless steel – nickel-free and therefore also suitable for allergy sufferers

Less suitable: for thin toenails and fingernails. Some people also find double-action nippers rather heavy in the hand – in that case classic nail nippers or nail clippers are the better choice.

Head cutter – for corners and ingrown nails

A head cutter is a special form of nail nipper with a very fine, tapered blade. It lets you reach the corners of the nail far better and cut along the natural shape of the nail – ideal for thick and ingrown nails. The classic is the flame-tipped shape.

Nail scissors – for thinner nails

Nail scissors are particularly well suited to thinner fingernails or toenails. They come in pointed and curved forms, and in an extra-pointed form for very fine work. For travelling, a combination pair of scissors is practical, as it works as both cuticle and nail scissors.

Straight or curved head shape?

The curved shape follows the natural shape of the nail comfortably. The straight shape is easier to guide and is particularly suited to the front section of toenails as well as to thumbnails and big-toe nails. For large hands, the longer 14 or 16 cm versions are more comfortable.

Frequently asked questions about cutting toenails

How often should toenails be cut?

Toenails grow more slowly than fingernails. As a rule it is enough to cut them every 3 to 4 weeks.

Should toenails be cut straight or rounded?

Always cut toenails straight across and do not round the corners too much. That is the best way to prevent ingrown nails.

Which tool is right for thick toenails?

For thick, hard toenails a strong pair of double-action nail nippers for toenails or a head cutter is ideal, since ordinary scissors are often too weak here.

Nail nippers or nail scissors – which is better?

It depends on the thickness of the nail: nail scissors are ideal for thinner fingernails and toenails, nail nippers and head cutters for thick, hard or ingrown nails where scissors do not have enough cutting power.